Vietnam Updates Health Standards for Militia Service

Post by : Shakul

In a recent announcement, Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense has specified the health certification criteria and eligibility requirements for citizens aiming to join the Militia and Self-Defense Force. The statements followed a concern raised by a citizen named Huynh Nhat regarding his eligibility due to extreme congenital myopia in both eyes.

The Department of Militia and Self-Defense, operating under the Ministry, indicated that these regulations derive from the 2019 Law on Militia and Self-Defense Forces, along with revisions from Law No. 98/2025/QH15. The ministry has stressed that all eligible Vietnamese individuals must meet certain criteria before being selected for service within the militia framework.

It was emphasized that individuals wishing to join the Militia and Self-Defense Force must maintain a clear personal background, adhere to Vietnamese laws and policies, and demonstrate adequate health to fulfill militia responsibilities. Health qualifications are critical due to the nature of duties militia members may undertake, including defense, security, emergency responses, and community support.

As per the guidelines in Circular No. 84/2025/TT-BQP, health certification must be obtained from a commune-level medical facility or higher before anyone can be recruited into militia service. The regulations notably exclude individuals with severe physical disabilities, drug dependence, HIV/AIDS, notable deformities, or those lacking sufficient physical capabilities. For long-term militia recruitment, applicants must further satisfy health classifications 1, 2, or 3 as specified by provincial health authorities.

In Huynh Nhat's case, where congenital myopia levels are reported at 15 degrees for the left eye and 9.25 degrees for the right eye, the ministry clarified that eligibility cannot be determined solely based on visual information. Rather, a comprehensive medical examination at an authorized healthcare facility is necessary to assess fitness for militia participation. The results will then be presented to the chairman of the commune-level People’s Committee, responsible for making the final determination.

Officials outlined that commune-level People’s Committees and organizational leaders bear the legal obligation to gauge militia participation requirements under national laws. This approach aims to guarantee fairness, appropriate medical assessments, and accurate evaluations of a citizen’s capacity to effectively meet militia obligations while ensuring safety.

Moreover, the government underscored the crucial role that militia and self-defense forces have in Vietnam's national defense apparatus. These forces are instrumental in local security, crisis response, and maintaining societal stability. Consequently, ensuring proper health standards among personnel remains pivotal for both operational readiness and public safety.

The updated regulations, stemming from recent circular revisions, highlight broad reforms focused on enhancing administrative practices and fortifying local defense oversight within Vietnam’s dual-level local governance system. The Ministry of National Defense reiterated that all recruitment and health certification processes must comply with established legal standards and medical evaluations set forth by the government.

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